11 dogs seized by RCMP after being neglected, Edmonton man charged
Posted February 3, 2023 10:30 am.
Last Updated February 3, 2023 3:17 pm.
Strathcona RCMP have charged an Edmonton man in connection to mass animal neglect.
Mounties, along with Strathcona County Enforcement Services, responded to a report of an animal in distress in Sherwood Park, Alberta, on Jan. 28.
“A concerned citizen reported their concerns,” said RCMP Constable Chantelle Kelly to CityNews. “As a result of that complaint, we felt it necessary to respond to the resident to investigate.”
When officers arrived, they found 11 dogs that looked to be “malnourished and neglected.”
“I was told it just appeared that they were lacking food, water in cages for a long period of time,” Kelly said. “There are some that were adult dogs. And there was some puppies involved.”
All 11 dogs were taken to the Edmonton Humane Society by Strathcona County Enforcement Services.
“Luckily, we were able to seize all the dogs, transport them to the appropriate areas, and they are receiving veterinary care. And eventually, when they’re ready to go, they will be put up for adoption,” Kelley said.
In a statement regarding the dogs, the Edmonton Humane Society said, “Due to their neglected and malnourished condition, it will take a few weeks before they become available for adoption, as they recover and reach a healthy weight prior to their spay/neuter surgery. The dogs will be placed into foster care in the meantime.”
“We are grateful that, with the support of our community, we can be here to provide a safe haven for animals who come from situations of neglect. We also wish to thank the citizen who reported the concern, so the dogs could be removed from these unacceptable conditions.”
RCMP say 26-year-old Alex Joseph McGrath has since been charged with 11 counts of causing animals unnecessary suffering and 12 counts of failing to comply.
He has since been released and is expected to appear in court on February 15.
Police are asking if anyone has any information, to contact investigators at 780-467-7741 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
-With files from Lisa Grant
